....for scientific equipment and services. The contract, a product of a detailed application process, signifies Avwatch's dedication to putting its innovative technology into the hands of national law enforcement, homeland security, and military responders in a cost effective way. Through its cutting-edge aerial imaging technology, robust software systems and Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET), Avwatch has numerous operational successes with the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, and other state and local responders.
During the Mississippi River flooding in April and May 2011, Avwatch provided real-time, full-motion video of 150 miles of the river to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard, and the Pentagon, delivering vital situational awareness to each. During Hurricane Irene in August 2011, Avwatch flew over affected areas from New York to New Hampshire. A team of federal, state, and local responders linked by Avwatch’s signature network detected a person in distress aboard a sailboat. Coordination by Avwatch ensured the operator and sailboat were safely and quickly recovered. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, response leaders tapped Avwatch to assist with recovery operations. Rapidly installing an extensive data network, and canvassing more than 10,000 square miles by air, Avwatch streamed high-quality video and real-time data to operational commanders on the ground who remotely controlled the onboard imaging system while identifying oiled areas and prime booming locations. Avwatch also flew before and after several tropical storms in the cleanup zone, allowing commanders to complete comprehensive pre and post-storm assessments. Further, Avwatch was first on scene during multiple search-and-rescue cases in the response area and delivered real-time video to responders.
Working with MIT Lincoln Labs in 2009, Avwatch provided breakthrough advances in battling forest fires by equipping a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection aircraft with Avwatch technology. Using infrared to see heat concentrations and burn patterns through smoke plumes, the team provided aerial video to surface responders, which served as an indispensable tool for coordinating mission-critical airdrops and a valuable record for prosecution and training.
Looking ahead, Avwatch aims to further enhance the government's ability to respond in areas where the company has proven most effective, namely search and rescue, disaster reconnaissance, and homeland security missions. “Historically in all of these, the speed and efficiency that tactical information is gathered, disseminated and processed ultimately determines the overall effectiveness of the response,” said Avwatch president Chris Kluckhuhn. He said the GSA contract, something he has envisioned from the very beginning of Avwatch, makes it considerably easier for decision makers in government to take advantage of the company’s technology and expertise.